Scandinavian Cardamom Cookies (Swedish Cookies)

Cardamom is a favorite & commonly
used spice throughout the Scandinavian
countries commonly used in holiday foods & sweets.

Ingredients: 

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cardamom

1 cup whole wheat flour

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons cardamom

Method:

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer for 1 to 2 minutes.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each egg is added just until each is mixed in.

Sift together the flour, soda, cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom. Mix into the creamed mixture. Add the whole wheat flour and continue to mix until all of the ingredients are well blended.

Chill the dough for 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 325*. Line baking sheets with parchment and set aside.

In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cardamom. Use a one inch cookie scoop to make balls of dough. Roll the balls in the sugar mixture and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or just until the edges of the cookies start to brown.

Cool for 6 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a rack to finish cooling completely. Makes about 4 dozen cookies. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes:

At some point in history, cardamom made it's way from the Middle East and became established as an iconic flavor in Scandinavian cuisine. Since then, cardamom has claimed a space in Scandinavian spice cabinets as one of the flavors that defines the region. (Sweden consumes 18 times more cardamom than average and Norwegians consume almost 30 times more!)

Similar to Snickerdoodles, these cookies are simple, not overly sweet and have subtle flavor that pairs nicely with tea, coffee or a glass of milk ~ Everyone in my family really loved them❣